The Complete Essential Oils Sourcebook: A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-Being. Julia Lawless
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WARNING
Although aromatherapy massage is effective for both the prevention and treatment of stress-related disorders, it is also very important for the individual to be helped to assess factors such as lifestyle, work patterns, and emotional relationships, and to try to make necessary changes to combat the causes behind the stress reaction directly.
Effleurage: stroking movements
THIS IS THE BASIC STROKING MOVEMENT, and the first technique to be used on any part of the body. Using slow and gentle strokes to cover the surface of the skin ensures that the aromatic oils will be readily absorbed. Effleurage promotes relaxation and draws blood to the area, improving both the assimilation of nutrients and the flow of lymphatic fluids, and aiding the elimination of toxins. It is a soothing and comforting type of movement that can also be used to link other techniques throughout the course of the massage.
Stroking
Using the whole flat area of both palms (not just the fingertips), gently lay your hands side by side on the skin.
1 Slide your hands together rhythmically along the skin, to cover a large or small area.
2At the end of each stroke always return to your starting position by skimming lightly over the surface.
3This movement is best employed on the back.
Gliding
This is a variation of the basic stroking movement, performed with the hands gliding together, side by side and pointing in opposite directions, as shown in steps 1 and 2. The hands may also be placed one on top of the other when extra pressure is needed. As with stroking movements, at the end of each stroke you should always return to your starting position by skimming lightly back over the surface of the skin (as shown in step 3). This movement is a particularly useful stroke for massaging the recipient’s arms and legs.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Pulling
Like stroking, this is a firm, but gentle, rhythmic movement, but here the emphasis is on pulling rather than pushing. Using alternate hands, methodically work your way along a specific area and back again, with a slight lifting and pulling stroke. This is especially useful for the sides of the torso or the limbs.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Petrissage: kneading movements
THESE TECHNIQUES INVOLVE picking up and slightly squeezing or twisting the muscles and are used on all muscular and fatty regions of the body. Using the whole hand, or just the fingertips, the muscle is first squeezed and then released in a rhythmic fashion. As it is released, the muscle relaxes. The overall effect is to pump the vessels of the muscles, so that circulation is improved and lymphatic activity increased. It is an effective technique for easing muscular tension and bringing warmth to an area. Always relax a muscle with effleurage before attempting petrissage.
Kneading
The hands are placed on either side of a muscle, with the palms slightly facing each other. The movement is an alternate downward pressure, then a picking up, rolling and squeezing of the muscle. The basic kneading technique is a bit like kneading dough (see illustration on below). It is applied on muscular areas, such as the shoulders, back, and limbs. Picking up, which involves lifting up the muscle and stretching it as far as possible from the bone, and rolling, which involves lifting up a section of muscle and rolling it transversely in both directions, can also be practiced as individual movements.
KNEADING TECHNIQUE
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
Aromatherapy may be an alternative to pills.
Wringing
Like kneading, this movement involves squeezing the muscles and the soft underlying tissue adhesions connected to the muscle, in this case with an additional twist. This technique is extremely warming and stimulating, but it is only applicable to the limbs.
WRINGING TECHNIQUE
1Place the hands side by side on a limb.
2Grasp firmly with the fingers, start to work the hands in opposite directions as if wringing out a cloth.
3 Work your way up the limb and down again methodically, squeezing the flesh between the hands a little at each stroke.
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